Hi Mouzinho! Could you please introduce yourself…
My name is Mouzinho Domingos Joaquim Mouzinho, I come from the Salesian Vice-Province of Mary Help of Christians in Mozambique, and I am a Salesian brother.
What inspired you to choose to become a missionary?
What drove me to become a missionary is the fact that I recognise that I have professed in and for the Salesian mission, whatever it may be. I did not profess for my Province, but for the Congregation. This awareness touched my heart and led me to place myself in the hands of the entire Congregation, in the person of the Rector Major, so that he would send me wherever he needed me.
Are you happy with where you are going? Do you have any fears or concerns about the new place, culture and people?
I am more than happy with the place where I was sent, Albania, because it is a country that I did not have in mind, and that is where the motivation of my missionary vocation makes sense, in the place where Jesus calls me to meet him, in the Albanian people, especially in young people. I see this destination as the place where Jesus awaits me to be in me, and for me to be in him, and pass on his love with my life. He will give meaning to his words in Luke 14:25 -33 (“None of you can become my disciple if you do not give up all your possessions”). That's why I'm not afraid. I confess: I'm happy.
How did your family members, friends and confreres react when you told them about your missionary vocation?
The members of my family are Christians and have serenely accepted my missionary vocation, as they did when I presented my vocation as a Salesian consecrated religious. The reaction of my confreres in the Province also showed how much I am loved by them and they encouraged me almost in the same words: "Your going on a mission ad gentes, ad exteros and ad vitam, is a seed for the growth of our Vice-Province"; and "Our Vice-Province offers the Congregation the best it has for the mission". It was a very significant reaction for me, because through it I understood that I am very much loved in my home province. So I thank God and I praise him.
What are your plans and dreams for your missionary life?
My project and my dream for my missionary life are the same that led me to profess my vows in the Congregation: I dream of being more and more a sign and bearer of the love of God to the people, especially the young, so that they can discover the face and love of Jesus in my life.
Do you have some great missionary role models in mind whose lifestyle you want to follow?
Yes, for example the Venerable Simon Srugi, in his profession as a nurse, was an example for people who were not even Christians. What strikes me about him is what the Muslims said about him: "Srugi has the hand of Allah"; this strikes me: there was no need to remain at the ambo so that Muslims could see God in him. Simon Srugi is the model. May I be a sign and bearer of God's love for the people I meet in Albania as he was in Palestine!
What is your message to young people about missionary choice and vocation?
Young people, God is with us every second, minute, hour and day, indeed our whole life is an experience with God. I advise you to be very careful in fulfilling the wonders that he brings in every moment of his experience with us. Do not be afraid to write your story with God. Write it down!
